First, the code in the link, is not mine (I just found the cool link).

The link takes you to the "CodeProject" site, shows you how to build your own g-code plotter, in VB.Net 2005 (Free from MS).

The source may not be complete, for all your needs, but I'm sure the coder did at least 75% of the work already.

This is by far the best in vb.net 2005 that I've found.

http://www.codeproject.com/vb/net/CNC_Viewer.asp

I added a couple of basic things to the code that I downloaded, like a button for auto plot (similar to NcPlot), & RTB for the g-code.

This code is great for learning.





Screenshot:

Thanks Switcher, I just downloaded that viewer. That is cool! I'm going to check this out.

Gary

The program is nice, kinda like ncplot, only we can change anything we want! :)

If you do anything cool, with the code, post the exec.

I added a timer/button for the viewer like the latest ncplot has. I'll post it soon.

This would make a great start for an open source plotter.




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This is a free g-code plotter.

Update:

This plotter is far from done, anyone that wants to modify the program is welcome to, just follw the link in post #1. :)



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neat program
how does a guy go about modifying or even creating a program like this ,it always blows me away when i see some of the programs that guys whip up and post here , i d like to do this type of stuff but i ve got no idea where to start , is it as difficult as it looks

neat program
how does a guy go about modifying or even creating a program like this ,it always blows me away when i see some of the programs that guys whip up and post here , i d like to do this type of stuff but i ve got no idea where to start , is it as difficult as it looks


Hey,dertsap

Learning to program is kinda like writing your first g-code program for cnc, It'll put a smile on your face when it actually works like you want it to, or have you swearing at your pc monitor (like it stole your wallet!).

Anyway, it's still a lot of fun. :)

1) To start, you need to decide what language to use, I use "Visual Basic Express .Net 2005" it's free from Microsoft (ever heard that before in the same sentence?).

2) Get all the help you can for free, it really helps to have DSL internet service, the "Visual Basic Express .Net 2005" is a large download, MS now has video that will take you thru building your first program, & I'll tell you video beats any book!
You can find tons of websites on www.google.com that other programmers have posted free code samples, this is how I started (again working code samples are better than any book).

So to start, this is what you'll need:

1) A PC running "Windows XP" (I don't know about Vista)

2) Download "Visual Basic Express .Net 2005" http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/vb/

3) Look at the "Learning Tracks" (option) for VB.Net (Visual Basic .Net 2005) http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/beginner/learningpath/




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On the "Learning Tracks" http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/beginner/learningpath/ I would only start with "Tier1 & 2", & anything that says "C#" just skip over, to much stuff will make things complicated to start out.



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A couple of good sites for VB.Net

1) http://www.planetsourcecode.com/vb/default.asp?lngWId=10 (scroll to the bottom of the page)

2) www.codeproject.com/vb/net (slow, but good content)



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thanks Switcher ,much appreciated

this looks like it s going to be interesting , i followed the first lesson on windows apps and now ive got a button that has a message pop up , it seems fairly straight forward at this point of time ,i'm sure the confusion will start to set in as i get deeper into this stuff ,
i think this is going to be some fun ,and some heavy learning to accomplish the types of programs i would like to create